Having recently opened Ada’s Café in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst and currently preparing to compete in the 2020 Condesa Co Lab Australian Coffee Championships, there is little slowing Cindy down. In between Cindy’s busy schedule, we were lucky to meet and discuss her journey in the specialty coffee industry and her unique approach to growing her café’s following.

Originally studying fashion design at university, Cindy was introduced to the coffee scene while working part-time at a local café while completing her studies. It was here that her love and interest in coffee began as she was able to explore the creativity of the industry through creating detailed latte art and learning about new blends and single origins.

 

“Once I realised the possibilities were endless, I wanted to learn more.”

 

After working as a barista across various locations in Sydney, Cindy has finally found her new home in Darlinghurst with the opening of Ada’s Affair. Nestled in the quiet suburban streets of Darlinghurst, Ada’s Affair has quickly become a regular retreat for the local community.

 

“What I love most about Ada’s Affair is the diverse community. From the supportive neighbours and LGTBQIA+ community of Darlinghurst to the friendly medical staff at the neighbouring St. Vincent’s Hospital. It’s great to be part of their diverse lives and busy weekly schedules.”

 

When asked about the meaning behind the café’s name, Cindy explained that Ada was a female name she admired and also an Indonesian word which literally translates to “everything”. When visiting Ada’s Affair, the diverse offerings truly lived up to its name.

 

 

From an awesome all-day menu (we highly recommend the “bae roll” with bacon jam), a selection of juices and a rotating offering of blends and single origins of Sample Coffee brewed on their Linea PB, it’s clear to see how Ada’s Affair’s offering of all sorts has become a favourite in the neighbourhood.

 

“One thing I’ve enjoyed about the rotating offering of Sample Coffee at Ada’s Café is that it’s made my customers curious and form a trusting connection with us. They’re noticing changing flavours and asking us questions. It’s great to see them curious and coming back for more.”

 

This coming week, Cindy will be travelling to Melbourne to compete as Australia’s top barista in the 2021 Condesa Co Lab Australian Coffee Championships. Excited to compete against some of the best in the country, Cindy shared that this has always been a goal of her own as she wants to be recognised as one of the worlds best.

 

“To prepare for the competition, I treat my café as my arena and my customers as my judges. Having to serve over 1,000 of my best espressos each day pushes me to always be at my best.”

 

As one of few women competing for the title, her advice for young women wishing to join and explore the world of coffee is to jump right in, surround yourself with supportive people, ask as many questions as possible and get lost in the world of coffee.

 

“There is nothing that should separate women from men in this industry. We’re both human, we both have red blood and we both have a passion for coffee.”

 

We wish Cindy the very best with the upcoming competition and the exciting times ahead at Ada’s Affair.

To keep updated on the exciting developments at Ada’s Affair, follow their Instagram page.